Elevatus Breaks Ground with New Chief Behavioral Health Advisor, Dr. Deanna Dwenger
NEWS RELEASE
Elevatus Architecture is redefining design with the addition of Dr. Deanna Dwenger, a nationally recognized leader in mental health care, as the firm’s first Chief Behavioral Health Advisor. This trailblazing role positions Elevatus as one of the few architecture firms integrating mental health expertise into its design process, setting a new standard for creating environments that prioritize psychological well-being and human connection.
Dr. Dwenger’s distinguished career spans clinical leadership, policy development, and integrated care innovation. As the former Executive Director of Behavioral Health for the Indiana Department of Correction, she led statewide mental health and addiction recovery initiatives, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and shaped policies to meet national care standards. Prior to her role with the Indiana Department of Correction, Dr. Dwenger served as Director of Behavioral Health at Wexford Health, where she led clinical and administrative teams delivering mental health and addiction recovery services. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing systems that address mental health holistically, with a focus on promoting healing and reducing stress.
At Elevatus, Dr. Dwenger will work across all project types, collaborating with designers to ensure spaces are as emotionally supportive as they are functional. From educational facilities to healthcare environments and justice projects, her insights will help shape designs that uplift the people who use them.
“I am honored to join Elevatus and bring my expertise in mental health to an industry where it can truly transform lives,” said Dr. Dwenger. “Architectural design has a profound impact on how we live, work, and heal, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with such an innovative team to create spaces that support emotional well-being, foster resilience, and encourage connection. Together, we can reimagine environments across education, health and wellness, and justice settings, ensuring they not only meet functional needs but also nurture the psychological health of those who use them. This is a chance to make a meaningful, lasting difference, and I am excited to be part of this forward-thinking vision.”
“Dr. Dwenger’s expertise bridges the critical connection between mental health and design, and her insights will help us redefine what it means to create spaces that truly serve the people who use them,” said Elevatus President Cory Miller. “Her ability to translate complex psychological principles into practical design strategies will elevate our projects across all markets, enabling us to craft environments that reduce stress, foster productivity, and enhance well-being. With Dr. Dwenger on our team, we are taking a bold step forward in creating spaces that are as compassionate as they are functional, and we are excited to see the impact this collaboration will have on individuals and communities alike.”
Dr. Dwenger’s work will help Elevatus set a new benchmark in design by embedding principles of environmental psychology and mental health into projects. Her contributions will touch all facets of the firm’s portfolio, from reducing stress and aggression in justice facilities to enhancing comfort and inclusivity in schools and creating calming, healing environments in healthcare settings.
Dr. Dwenger earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Forensic Concentration from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Over her career, she has worked with diverse populations and developed care systems that improve individual outcomes and community well-being.
This partnership signals a bold new direction for Elevatus, demonstrating the firm’s commitment to designing spaces that go beyond functionality to support the psychological and emotional well-being of those who use them.
